Neuroscience and the Soul: The Human Person in Philosophy, Science, and Theology

It is a widely held belief that human beings are both body and soul, that our immaterial soul is distinct from our material body. But that traditional idea has been seriously questioned by much recent research in the brain sciences. In Neuroscience and the Soul fourteen distinguished scholars grapple with current debates about the existence and nature of the soul. Featuring a dialogical format, the book presents state-of-the-art work by leading philosophers and theologians—some arguing for the existence of the soul, others arguing against it—and then puts those scholars into conversation with critics of their views. Bringing philosophy, theology, and science together in this way brings to light new perspectives and advances the ongoing debate over body and soul.

Paperback, eBook 294 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 2016 ,
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Steve Porter

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This important new volume is a combined anthology and guide intended for use as a textbook in courses on the philosophy of religion. It aims to bring to the student the very best current work on important topics in the field. The anthology is comprised of six sections, each of which opens with a substantive introductory essay followed by a selection of influential writings by prominent philosophers of religion. Philosophy of Religion provides an ideal resource for studying the central questions raised by religious belief.

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An interdisciplinary look at arguments both for and against traditional belief in the soul

It is a widely held belief that human beings are both body and soul, that our immaterial soul is distinct from our material body. But that traditional idea has been seriously questioned by much recent research in the brain sciences.

In Neuroscience and the Soul fourteen distinguished scholars grapple with current debates about the existence and nature of the soul. Featuring a dialogical format, the book presents state-of-the-art work by leading philosophers and theologians—some arguing for the existence of the soul, others arguing against it—and then puts those scholars into conversation with critics of their views. Bringing philosophy, theology, and science together in this way brings to light new perspectives and advances the ongoing debate over body and soul.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Robin Collins
John W. Cooper
Kevin Corcoran
Stewart Goetz
William Hasker
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen
Eric LaRock
Brian Lugioyo
J. P. Moreland
Timothy O’Connor
Jason D. Runyan
Kevin Sharpe
Daniel Speak
Richard Swinburne

Editorial Review

This is a superb collection of outstanding essays and critical exchanges that will enrich the debate surrounding dualist and materialist conceptions of persons. It is an exceptionally important work as the contributors each work to carefully engage each other and avoid the usual deliberated misunderstandings that can mar current philosophy of mind.
Charles Taliaferro – St. Olaf College

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